Windows PowerShell 2.0 must not be installed.

From Windows Server 2016 Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-000381

SV-87953r1_rule Windows PowerShell 2.0 must not be installed.

Vulnerability discussion

Windows PowerShell 5.0 added advanced logging features that can provide additional detail when malware has been run on a system. Disabling the Windows PowerShell 2.0 mitigates against a downgrade attack that evades the Windows PowerShell 5.0 script block logging feature.

Check content

Open "PowerShell". Enter "Get-WindowsFeature | Where Name -eq PowerShell-v2". If "Installed State" is "Installed", this is a finding. An Installed State of "Available" or "Removed" is not a finding.

Fix text

Uninstall the "Windows PowerShell 2.0 Engine". Start "Server Manager". Select the server with the feature. Scroll down to "ROLES AND FEATURES" in the right pane. Select "Remove Roles and Features" from the drop-down "TASKS" list. Select the appropriate server on the "Server Selection" page and click "Next". Deselect "Windows PowerShell 2.0 Engine" under "Windows PowerShell" on the "Features" page. Click "Next" and "Remove" as prompted.

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